SASSA Status: 'Means Test Failed' — What It Means & How to Appeal
'Means Test Failed' means SASSA found that your income or assets exceed the allowed limit. Learn what this means and how to appeal.
What This Status Means
'Means Test Failed' means SASSA's automated system checked your financial situation and determined that you have income or assets above the threshold for the grant you applied for. For the SRD grant, the threshold is R624 per month. For permanent grants, the thresholds are higher. This status is not necessarily permanent — if the system made an error, you can appeal the decision.
How To Check This Status
Checking your "Means Test Failed" status is free and takes less than a minute. Choose whichever method works for you:
Online (SRD Portal)
srd.sassa.gov.za — log in with your ID number and registered phone number
USSD (Zero Data)
Dial *120*69277# from any cellphone — free, no data or airtime needed
Chat with SASSA on 082 601 0111 to check your status
Moya App (Zero Data)
Use the Moya app — SASSA status uses zero data
SMS
SMS your ID number to 32147 to receive your status update
You cannot change your status using these tools — only check it. To change your banking details or appeal, use the actions below.
Why It Happens
Your bank account received deposits totaling more than R624 in a month
You received a payment from a family member or friend that pushed you over the limit
SASSA detected income from UIF, NSFAS, or another source
You have multiple bank accounts and the combined deposits exceed the threshold
Your spouse's income was included in the assessment for a permanent grant
What To Do
Review Your Bank Deposits
Check your bank statements for the month in question. Identify any deposits that may have triggered the alert.
Lodge an Appeal
Go to srd-appeals.dsd.gov.za and submit an appeal explaining why the income detected should not disqualify you.
Provide Supporting Evidence
If a family member sent you money that was a gift (not income), provide an affidavit explaining this.
Isolate Your Bank Account
Do not allow anyone else to use your bank account for their transactions. SASSA cannot distinguish between 'loans' and 'income.'
How Long It Takes
Appeals are processed within 60 to 90 days. If successful, you will receive back pay for the months that were incorrectly declined.
Who To Contact
DSD Appeals Portal
srd-appeals.dsd.gov.za
SASSA Helpline
0800 60 10 11
Sources & References
This status guide was researched and verified against the following official sources:
- srd-appeals.dsd.gov.zaVisit Website
- www.sassa.gov.zaVisit Website
What to do next
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Editorial note: SASSA Help Hub is an independent, unofficial information resource and is not affiliated with the South African Social Security Agency. This page was last reviewed on 2026-08-31 by Lucky Cungwa. See our Editorial Policy, Fact-Checking Policy, and Sources Policy. Found an error? Report it.